Student FAQs

  1. What is Handshake?
    Handshake is a system where you can upload your resume, apply for jobs and internships, register for career events, schedule appointments with the Career Center, and more.
    See: Handshake
  2. How do I get a job on-campus?
    Handshake has a filter by Job Type for on campus employment. Check this out for on campus employment opportunities. Seeking a research role on campus? Search Handshake and talk with your faculty. Additionally, counselors at the Career Center will send out mass emails to students about different opportunities that are posted to Handshake, job fairs, and workshops that can be helpful in obtaining a job.
    See: Find an Internship or Job; On-Campus Jobs and PRAC 102
  3. How can I get an internship?
    Students seeking internships should upload a draft of their resume to Handshake and schedule a 30-minute appointment with a staff member to review it and discuss search strategies.
    See: Find an Internship or Job
  4. What services does the Career Center provide?
    See: Resources for Students
  5. Can anyone attend Career Center events?
    Any registered student at UMBC can attend Career Center events. UMBC career fairs are also open to alumni and the general public, as well as enrolled students. Alumni can also make appointments; however, if it has been six months or more since you graduated, you will need to pay a $30 fee at the time of your appointment.
  6. What is PRAC and how do I register for it?
    PRAC is short for Practicum. Practicums are zero-credit courses students participating in internships, co-ops, research, and on-campus employment can enroll in for notation on their transcripts. (The Shriver Center also offers a service-learning PRAC.)
    See: Earn Recognition for Your Internship/Co-op/Research; On-Campus Jobs and PRAC 102
  7. What are the requirements for PRAC?
    The requirements for the various PRAC courses (95, 98, 99, or 102) are outlined in their respective syllabi. The Intern/Co-op/Research PRAC syllabus can be found in the PRAC myUMBC group. The syllabus for PRAC 102: Building Skills for Career Success (for student employment) can be found here.
  8. How do I make/reschedule/cancel an appointment?
    You can make, reschedule, and cancel appointments via Handshakes, by calling the Career Center at 410-455-2216, or stopping by Math/Psych Building room 201. Appointments must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance, and should be canceled at least 24 hours before the appointment.
    See: Appointments
  9. Can I get my resume reviewed without making an appointment?
    Drop-in resume review hours (Monday-Friday, 2-4 p.m., and select evening hours) are meant to be a quick way for staff to look over your resume and provide feedback. While some students are able to get their resumes approved during drop-ins, most students find that they benefit more from scheduling a 30-minute appointment for a more detailed review. Before your appointment or drop-in, be sure to visit the Prepare Your Documents section of our website and revise your resume accordingly. You should also upload your resume to Handshake (under your profile icon > My Documents) prior to your meeting.
  10. Can I make an appointment for today?
    We do not schedule same day appointments. Staff at the Career Center have different schedules and availability and Handshake will always show you what the specific staff member has available as time slots for appointments. If you have a quick question, you may come to drop-ins, Monday-Friday, 2-4 pm.
  11. Should I bring a copy of my resume to my appointment or drop-ins?
    Yes. Please bring a hard copy and upload your document to Handshake (under your profile icon > My Documents).
  12. Can I call my career advisor?
    The best way to contact your assigned staff member is to email them (please allow 1-2 business days for a response). If you have a serious or immediate concern, please don’t hesitate to call our reception desk at 410-455-2216. Virtual or phone appointments can also be schedule for students or alumni who are unable to travel to campus.
  13. How do I schedule a practice interview?
    Unlike other appointments, practice interviews must be scheduled by phone or in person at the Career Center. It is a good idea to schedule these 60-minute appointments at least a week or two in advance. Plan to dress professionally, bring a flash-drive with at least 3 GB of free data, and prepare a tailored resume and cover letter.
    See: Practice Interviews
  14. What can I do during drop-ins?
    A 15-minute drop-in can be used for a brief resume critique, or to ask quick questions about your job/internship search. We cannot review multiple documents during a drop-in, nor can we process PRAC and CPT registrations during regular drop-ins.
  15. I am an alumnus/a. What Career Center services can I use?
    See: Resources for Alumni
  16. How do I get started creating a resume?
    Visit the Prepare Your Documents section of our website to get started. Please note that the Career Center does not provide resume writing services. All students are encouraged to attempt a draft of their resume before coming in.
  17. I cannot attend an event for which I have registered. What is your cancellation policy?
    The Career Center requests 24-hour notice for all cancellations. Please call our reception desk at 410-455-2216 as soon as you know you are unable to attend. No-shows are taken very seriously, particularly for interviews, invitation-only employer events, and any events involving upfront costs (e.g., food or transportation). Please review event registration information in Handshake carefully to be sure you understand the cancellation policy for your specific event.
  18. Can I use the computer/printer in the reception area?
    Yes. Be mindful of the amount of time you spend on the computer, particularly if there are other students waiting. Please ask the receptionist for permission to print one copy of your resume.
  19. What should I do if I am unsure of what type of appointment I need?
    Please call the Career Center at 410-455-2216 or visit in person to talk about the kind of help you are looking for. The receptionist will help you determine what type of appointment(s) you need.
  20. How long will I have to wait to meet with a career advisor or career peer during drop-in hours?
    During drop-ins, students are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. It is not possible to predict how many students will come on any given day, so it is best to come prepared with a copy of your resume and make sure you have ample time to wait. If we are busy and you can’t wait, you are always welcome to schedule an appointment for the near future.